“I suppose you wouldn’t like to do a locum for a month on the South coast? Three guineas a week with board and lodging.”
“I wouldn’t mind,” said Philip.
“It’s at Farnley, in Dorsetshire. Doctor South. You’d have to go down at once; his assistant has developed mumps. I believe it’s a very pleasant place.”
There was something in the secretary’s manner that puzzled Philip. It was a little doubtful.
“What’s the crab in it?” he asked.
The secretary hesitated a moment and laughed in a conciliating fashion.
“Well, the fact is, I understand he’s rather a crusty, funny old fellow. The agencies won’t send him anyone any more. He speaks his mind very openly, and men don’t like it.”
“But d’you think he’ll be satisfied with a man who’s only just qualified? After all I have no experience.”
“He ought to be glad to get you,” said the secretary diplomatically.
Philip thought for a moment. He had nothing to do for the next few weeks, and he was glad of the chance to earn a bit of money. He could put it aside for the holiday in Spain which he had promised himself when he had finished his appointment at St. Luke’s or, if they would not give him anything there, at some other hospital.